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Subaru will stay true to performance with its next-generation STI

Subaru's U.S. boss says the next-generation Impreza WRX STI will have more than 300 hp. The 2011 STI is shown.

Subaru is hard at work fortifying the next generation of the Impreza WRX and the enthusiast-oriented STI, a top executive said on Wednesday at the Los Angeles auto show.

The next WRX will get a new turbo four-cylinder engine, and the STI will continue to have a performance engine making more than 300 hp, said Tom Doll, executive vice president of Subaru of America. The current STI makes 305 hp.

“It's the car that appeals to the youthful generation,” he said. “It's just a performance driving machine."

Doll made the remarks after Subaru revealed the BRZ STI concept, a sports coupe that previews the company's upcoming two-door. Doll said Subaru will continue to market to enthusiasts, even as it develops smaller cars.

“It's a pure sports car from the ground up,” Doll said.

The production version of the BRZ will debut on Nov. 30 at the Tokyo motor show.

Subaru also will sell another utility vehicle, the Crosstrek, in America, Doll confirmed.